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Optimisation plan improves Bakubung mine business case

PROGRESSING WELL
The main and ventilation shafts have achieved depths of 396 m and 567 m respectively

PROGRESSING WELL The main and ventilation shafts have achieved depths of 396 m and 567 m respectively

28th March 2014

By: Chantelle Kotze

  

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Wesizwe Platinum’s optimisation plan, approved earlier this month for its flagship Bakubung platinum mine, aims to improve the business case of the mine in the current economic and social environment of the mining industry in South Africa.

“We decided to embark on the optimisation plan owing to lower metal prices, increasing cost pressures, the changing social climate and working-condition requirements and technical challenges currently facing other mines in the industry,” Wesizwe Platinum COO Paul Smith said when the announcement was made earlier this month.

The optimisation study builds on the bankable feasibility study undertaken by the mine in October 2009.

The objectives of the optimisation plan are to reduce business risk, the time it will take to reach full production and the nominal capital and operating costs of the project, as well as to improve efficiency and flexibility.

The optimisation plan will result in the Rustenburg-based operation reducing the time it will take to full production by 26 months. “The initial 230 kt/m production level is now planned for October 2020, as opposed to December 2022, and will increase to 250 kt/m of run-of-mine ore at full capacity,” said Smith.

The optimisation plan will also enable Wesizwe platinum to reduce the capital required for the project by just more than 10% from R12.03-billion to R10.69-billion.

Other key aspects of the optimisation plan include a reduction of the staff complement by 235 people to 3 135 during steady state, as a result of the semi-mechanised operation that will be implemented.

Shortening the shafts by about 60 m will result in the mine operating at a slightly shallower level, which will allow for reef development and, subsequently, a substantial reduction in off-reef development.

The optimised logistics model, which includes using conveyor belts to transport ore and chairlifts to transport people, aims to improve efficiency and flexibility.

The optimisation plan will lead to the mine increasing its hoisting capacity to support increased production rates.

Smith said the sinking of a third raisebore shaft was also planned to start next year and would assist with ventilation and in the logistics.

The project is currently 17% complete and the primary focus, which is on shaft sinking, is progressing.

Edited by Martin Zhuwakinyu
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

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